KT announced on the 30th that it has succeeded in research and development of 'Semantic Communication,' a key technology for sixth-generation (6G) mobile communication. Semantic Communication refers to a next-generation communication technology that utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) to understand the 'meaning' or 'context' of the data it holds, extracting and conveying only the core information.
Semantic Communication is similar to the way people communicate, understanding core meanings without physically analyzing every voice signal. This is because AI understands the meanings of the data exchanged during the communication process and conveys it in an efficient manner. This contrasts with traditional communication methods that transmit every element of data.
The implementation of 6G is considered to require an 'AI-native network' as an essential condition. A next-generation communication infrastructure that fundamentally integrates AI into its network structure is needed, and technologies such as Semantic Communication must first be applied to achieve this.
A KT representative noted, 'This is a technology with the potential to enable future services such as fully autonomous driving, robot remote control, and immersive hologram communication,' adding, 'We have focused our research and development capabilities on the technological importance of Semantic Communication, which will be the core of future communication environments.'
KT has been conducting internal verifications of Semantic Technology in the video and voice communication sector since October last year, which is the area where customers can most easily feel the effects. The results confirmed that communication services can convey the original meanings with significantly lower data transmission volumes without degrading user-perceived quality.
Once Semantic Communication is commercialized, it is expected to provide a more stable communication service foundation, allowing high-quality media services to be used reliably even in network congestion areas or limited-bandwidth satellite communications.
To accelerate technology development and commercialization, KT has partnered with Nokia Bell Labs, a global communication technology research institution, in addition to its own research. The two companies signed a cooperation agreement for 6G Semantic Communication technology earlier this year. In May, they held a '6G & Semantic Communication Technology Workshop' at the headquarters of Bell Labs in the United States, where they shared their technological visions and roadmaps and specified the directions for mid- to long-term joint research.
KT and Nokia Bell Labs plan to advance their joint project by developing ▲Semantic Transmission Algorithms, ▲validating and demonstrating end-to-end communication performance including wireless segments, and contributing to the international standardization of 6G based on their joint research achievements while leading the global technology ecosystem.
Peter Better, head of core research at Nokia Bell Labs, stated, 'Nokia Bell Labs is at the forefront of Semantic Communication research, and through collaboration with KT, we will be able to validate use cases and get one step closer to technology commercialization.'
Lee Jong-sik, head of KT's Future Network Research Institute (executive director), said, 'The future of communication technology lies in its fusion with AI, and Semantic Communication is an innovative technology that will redefine the fundamental role of the network as AI combines with communication technology.'